The photos and text for this model were sent to us from one of our International Visitors (and head of the "P-38 Model Organization International" -- which is no longer in operation, unfortunately), Peter Alstrup in Smedjebacken, Sweden. I'll let him tell you the story of his (flyable) P-38 in his own words:

This model, "The GUNG HO!" represents the latest and greatest efforts of my skills in modeling...EVER! It took me more than 2500 hours to finish this model, which is a scale copy of Lt. Col. Edwin Chickerings  P-38L-1 Lightning from 1944, the year I was born.

It had to be exactly this P-38 which I modeled due to an old photograph my father gave me when I was a boy, showing a young pilot Chickering next to the fuselage of a P-38 with this funny nose art of Bugs Bunny and the Dragon -- which back then caused me a lot of speculation. Why did '"grown up" men paint their aircraft like this??? And what was it supposed to mean??

The model spans 105". Plans came from Columbia Model Works in Missouri--I went over there myself to fetch the plans plus accessories and had the opportunity to test the prototype in the air.

My model was powered by two .90 sized Super Tigre engines, had Dave Platt retracts and a fully detailed cockpit. Weight: Approx. 26.4Ibs. The finish, the naked aluminum skin, was obtained using a special alu-paint polished to a high gloss using aluminum powder! The result was incredible!

It has been in several shows and exhibitions and won various prizes. It "lived" for 8 years and was flown on a regular basis during this period. It " bought the farm" in a spectacular crash 2 years ago, when one engine quit.

I plan to build a new P-38 model. The large 114" model will feature working fowler flaps -and will be powered by two 45cc gas engines... among others.

MODEL #3